WHO IS YBE?

Young Business Edge (YBE) aims to connect, inspire and support the young in business and people within the Albury-Wodonga region.

The main focus is to bring people together to promote business opportunities and be a catalyst for ideas and innovation. This focus will contribute positively to the retention of professionals in the Albury-Wodonga region and the security of local businesses in the future.

Secondary to this is education and information. YBE aims to educate people on soft skills that may not be taught at university. This will improve the confidence, ethics and conviction of young people in business which will be valuable knowledge for the future of our businesses today.

YBE is a strong committee of talented local businesspeople that continuously breathe life into the initiative and keep it true to its fundamental values.

Albury Business Connect (Albury's Chamber of Commerce) provides protocols, parameters, and support to help steer the committee.

OUR VALUES

Inclusive – We love bringing people together. Diversity brings with it broader thinking, unique perspectives and wider overall experiences that enable us all to grow. Creating an environment where we can share is what we do best.

Energetic – Our youthful spirit is contagious. Our passion is a motivator. We show initiative, some get-up-and-go and are driven by actions. Our positivity, vitality and sense of purpose allow us to make things happen and will see individuals join us on the journey.

Progressive – We are open minded, forward looking, and modern in our thinking. We have an attitude focused on continuous improvement, development and increasing the general wellbeing of those who connect with us.

Connection – We are not in this alone. We are at our best when we share the journey and celebrate success with others. We build deeper relationships because of our ability to openly share our knowledge and experiences. We educate, mentor, support and build partnerships that are broadly beneficial.

We Lead – We stay true to who we are, and we are not afraid to innovate. We embrace change, new thinking, fresh opinions, and perspectives. We will also stand for what is right, with equality, inclusiveness, and diversity important to our stakeholders.

WHAT ARE OUR INITIATIVES?

Throughout the year we plan several types of events for our YBE Community. These events include the following:

Professional Development (PD)

PD events will continue to be a cornerstone of YBE, offering members valuable opportunities for growth and success. These events will focus on topics relevant to professional and personal development. To elevate the experience, we will invite industry experts to share their knowledge and insights with members. Additionally, we propose the idea of hosts covering the catering costs for these events, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience for attendees.

Behind the Scenes (BTS)

BTS events will provide members with a unique opportunity to gain insight into various industries. Like Business After Hours events, BTS events will highlight the operations of host businesses and industries. This exposure will broaden members' perspectives and encourage them to explore new career paths. To foster collaboration, we suggest inviting host businesses to cover the catering costs, proving their commitment to the development of young professionals.

Excursion Events (EX)

To help natural relationship-building and personal growth, we propose the introduction of EX events. These hands-on experiences will take members out of their comfort zones and supply practical learning opportunities. EX events will be held once or twice per year and may include visits to craft breweries, interactive workshops, or outdoor team-building activities. While these events will incur a cost for attendees, the value of the experience will far outweigh the investment.

Regular Events (RE)

Recognising the need for balance and casual networking opportunities, we propose hosting regular events. These events will focus on creating a relaxed atmosphere for members to socialize and connect. Examples of regular events could include regular meet-and-mingle gatherings, sponsor nights, or an end-of-year function. These events will have no specific purpose other than fostering camaraderie and building relationships among YBE members.

WHAT DOES BEING ON THE COMMITTEE MEAN?

Being on the YBE committee means that you have the opportunity to plan and create events and initiatives that bring together businesspeople and young professionals in our community.

This is a volunteer role.

The YBE committee meets on a monthly basis for 60-90 minutes to discuss upcoming events, initiatives, and forward planning. Each event has two leaders with support from the rest of the team. If you are leading an event, you can expect that additional hours may be required.

There is also the opportunity to be involved in other projects such as the development of a sponsorship program, marketing and more.

Thank you! - YBE Team